He wanted every available document from the period when he and Eleanor had separated.
James was surprised by the request.
"Sir, that's more than twenty years ago."
"I know."
"Some of the records may no longer exist."
"Find what remains."
James nodded.
"Understood."
Richard also requested an independent review of Charles's professional history.
He didn't want to accuse his adviser without evidence.
But the timing of the old letters and Charles's strange reaction had created serious doubts.
Meanwhile, Victoria remained in the private lounge.
She looked at the photographs on the wall.
One showed Richard beside the first aircraft produced by his company.
Another showed him receiving an international business award.
A third displayed the opening ceremony of the airport hangar.
She realized that her father had built an extraordinary life.
But none of those photographs included her mother.
A hotel employee approached.
"Miss Hayes, would you like anything else?"
Victoria shook her head.
"No, thank you."
The employee smiled.
"Mr. Harrison asked us to make sure you're comfortable."
Victoria nodded.
"That's kind of him."
For years, she had imagined meeting her father.
But she had never imagined being surrounded by the wealth and influence of his world.
She didn't want his money.
She didn't want his company.
She simply wanted to understand why her mother had spent so many years waiting for someone who never came.
CHAPTER 7: THE MANAGER'S PANIC
Charles received a message while standing near the aircraft.
It came from an old contact.
Richard is asking about the Eleanor files. You need to deal with this immediately.
Charles read the message twice.
His face became pale.
He walked toward the parking area and called the sender.
"What do you mean he's asking?"
The man answered:
"He requested a complete archive search."
Charles lowered his voice.
"Did anyone find the original letters?"
"Not yet."
"Make sure they don't."
The other man hesitated.
"Charles, this is becoming dangerous."
Charles looked back toward the hangar.
Richard was standing beside Victoria.
"I know."
He ended the call.
For years, Charles had believed that the past was buried.
He had destroyed the letters.
He had changed the records.
He had even arranged for certain employees to leave the company before anyone could question what happened.
But there was one thing he had never considered.
Eleanor had kept copies.
And Victoria might have brought them with her.
Charles looked toward the small handbag resting beside her chair.
He wondered what else it contained.
CHAPTER 8: THE SECOND ENVELOPE
Later that afternoon, Victoria returned to the lounge.
She noticed Richard speaking with James.
When he finished, she approached.
"Can I show you something?"
Richard nodded.
"Of course."